Organic Market Update #304

Week 4, 2023

Tomatoes

Promotional opportunities on popular Organic Snacking Tomatoes and colorful Organic Heirloom Tomatoes are available for late January and February. Prices for Organic Grape Tomatoes are falling as temperatures are rising in both Mexico and Florida growing regions, providing increasing volume.  Organic Grape Tomatoes  are also very promotable through the start of February. Florida is also in season with Organic Orange Cherry Tomatoes (Sungold), Organic Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes, and regular Organic Cherry Tomatoes. Organic Heirloom Tomatoes are experiencing larger than expected volume harvests in Mexico which will create opportunities to promote in late January and February. Fair Trade Organic Darkloom Tomatoes are now in season through February.

Citrus

The majority of the rain appears to have passed in California, with the state emerging from the driest period in history. Farmers welcome the rain in the long run, but it causes many problems in the short term, such as flooding and delayed harvests. Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, Cara Caras, and Navel Oranges should be back to pre-storm levels  and will be ready to promote during February and March. California Organic Mandarins will transition from “Satsuma” and “Clementines”  to “Daisy”, “Page”, and “Tango” varieties through January. The first Organic Blood Oranges of the season will be available the last week of January. 

Berries

Organic Blackberry pricing remains reasonable out of Mexico where volume has been consistent, and the quality has been excellent. Organic Blueberry prices are expected to fall significantly heading into February as Chilean volume ramps up. Organic Raspberry pricing is extremely high as production remains limited, and orders continue to be heavily pro-rated. Plants are not producing as growers relocate to new growing regions, with shortages expected through the beginning of February. Organic Strawberry pricing has remained consistent but at elevated levels. The transition to Baja will begin the end of January, leading to more volume and reasonable pricing at the end of February. Overall, Florida harvests are extremely limited.

Lettuce

Organic Lettuce continues to have a strong supply from both Florida and California shippers. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce are arriving from the West Coast at promotional prices and volume. Organic Green Leaf, Red Leaf, and Romaine Lettuce from Florida remain consistent in supply and pricing.

Peppers

Organic Mini-Mix Sweet Peppers have returned and are in plentiful supply in 12/1lb pouch bags from Mexico and 18/12oz clamshells from Florida. Organic Color Bell Peppers are plentiful as Mexican supplies have steadily increased throughout January. Supplies from Israel remain consistent, with excellent quality and availability, but at a premium price over Mexico. Both growing regions will be available until the end of February.

Apples

Washington Organic Autumn Glory, Cosmic Crisp, Envy, Jazz, Kanzi, Lady Alice, Opal, Pinata, Pink Lady, and SugarBee Apples are available for premium variety promotion. Washington Organic Fuji Apples sized up large this past fall and there will be some promotional opportunities on 56/64ct fruit but limited volume 88ct and smaller fruit. Washington Organic Gala Apples are limited, with the crop significantly smaller and the fruit size peaking on 138 size. Washington Organic Honeycrisp and Granny Smith Apples have lighter volume coming out of storage this winter.

Squash

Organic Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash from Mexico are available through the end of the month. A period of transition is approaching, and with disruptive civil unrest in Mexico, prices have risen throughout January. Expect supplies to be readily available in early February, albeit at a more premium price.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico continue to be in high demand. While volume has increased, pricing has decreased. As February approaches, look for reduced volume and pricing on high-quality Mexican products.